Temple University recently alerted its staff and students about significant changes to public transportation. SEPTA plans to reduce its services, which could seriously affect campus life. The university encourages everyone to consider other ways to commute.
Nearly 12,000 people, including students and staff, use SEPTA daily to reach the university. That’s about one-third of Temple’s population, which totals over 30,000 students and 8,000 employees. The first service cuts will take effect on August 24, coinciding with the start of the fall semester. A second round of cuts is expected in January.
David Marino, Temple’s interim chief operating officer, and David Boardman, interim provost, mentioned that these service changes could lead to 2,000 more cars on campus each day. This situation will strain parking resources, making it even harder to find spots.
Both the Regional Rail and the Broad Street subway run near Temple, along with several bus routes. Students and staff are advised to look into nearby public transport options or share rides with others. Temple offers over 5,000 parking spaces, available on a first-come basis.
The university is looking for ways to support students and staff facing rising transportation costs. Other local institutions, like Drexel University and the Community College of Philadelphia, are also keeping a close eye on the situation. Alycia Marshall, interim president of CCP, emphasized the importance of accessible public transit for education and economic opportunities. She hopes state leaders will find solutions to fund these services.
SEPTA is facing a $213 million budget deficit. Without additional state support, it will implement substantial service cuts. The first phase entails a 20% reduction, affecting bus routes and some Regional Rail lines, with further cuts planned for January, including ending service on certain lines. Additionally, all rail operations will close by 9 p.m.
Moreover, users can expect fare increases soon, with a hike of 21.5% set for September 1. These changes will heavily impact travel for students and faculty alike, raising concerns about how everyone will get to campus as the semester unfolds.
Experts stress that sustainable public transportation is vital for urban communities. As the situation develops, it will be essential to advocate for continued support for reliable public services.
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